Approved 11/15/07
LAW ENFORCEMENT
November 1, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Dale Copedge, Todd Tennis, Victor Celentino, Debbie DeLeon,
Dianne Holman, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Marc
Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Alan Spyke, Dick Robins, Gene Wriggelsworth, David
Stoker, Richard Robinson, Peggy Vaughn-Payne, Maria Zavala, Patricia
A. Wade, Judy Vickers, Sherry Feazel, Dallas Henney, Neil West, Paul
Griffes, Colleen Scott, Aaron Keiser, Larry Silsby, Randy Maiville,
Allan Spyke, Greg Harless, David Stokpe, Marty Colburn, Hugh Leach,
Mickey Martin, Robert Hayes, Terry Sommer and Douglas Sommer
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Copedge at 6:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the October 11, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. TENNIS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 11 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
Limited Public Comment: None
Additions to the Agenda
1i. Schafer requested an impact study on the effects of the policy
1. Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Primary Police Services – Road Patrol
a. Welcome and Opening Remarks from Chairperson of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners – Marc Thomas
Board Chairperson Thomas commended the public for being here this evening to participate in this important discussion. This Committee has some very difficult decisions to make.
b. Purpose of Meeting from Chairperson of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners Law Enforcement Committee – Dale Copedge
Chairperson Copedge stated the budget shortfall in 2009 will be even greater than the 2008 shortfall. This Committee wants to allow the townships time to deliberate on how they can assist in funding road patrol services. He then stated the Resolution in agenda item 1h will not be voted on this evening.
c. Controller’s Office – Outline of 2008 Budget Reductions
Mr. Neilsen stated concerns have been raised over the past several years regarding the equity of providing a service available only to specific jurisdictions, but the cost of that service is levied county wide on all County taxpayers. This Committee has struggled with the question of how to meet the increased demand for law enforcement services in these areas without alternate funding sources.
Mr. Neilsen explained that the 2008 Budget eliminated two DARE Officers and the Paramedic Program that has been in place since the 1070’s has been eliminated along with a Deputy that currently serves as a paramedic. The balance of the remaining paramedics will serve as regular road patrol Officers at a reduced level.
d. County Attorney – Review of Legal Opinions
i. Level of Road Patrol Primary Police Service the County or Sheriff’s Office is Required to Provide
Mr. Stoker stated routine County road patrol services are not a mandated function. Many of the mandated services relate to the County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office is mandated to provide peace-keeper functions. Courts have established that a minimal level of police services is required when budget concerns exist.
ii. Options for Local Municipalities for Special Millages, Special Assessment Districts, and Contracting with the County and Sheriff’s Office for Primary Police Services – Road Patrol
Mr. Stoker explained that all cities and charter townships are authorized to have police services. The cities and charter townships have to determine how to pay for those services. Mr. Stoker stated it is clearly appropriate to have a special Millage to pay for these services. A special Millage would require voter approval on a jurisdiction basis. This is a normal way to pay for the services when general fund dollars are not sufficient to cover the costs.
A statute allows townships and villages to fund police services as well as fire services through a special assessment. A normal special assessment means creating a special assessment district. People who benefit from the services are charged the assessment. The special assessment requires voter approval.
Mr. Stoker stated the final method is to have a policy service authority, such as NESA. An emergency services act allows for a mix of law enforcement services. Such an authority can levy its own Millage with voter approval.
Comm. Schafer stated it is ambiguous whether an officer is required to respond to an emergency. Mr. Stoker stated a determination would have to be made as to how to respond to emergency calls. This can be done without having road patrol services.
e. Commissioners Grebner and Schor – Overview of Proposed Resolution – Resolution Announcing a Change in Policy Regarding Rural Police Services
Comm. Grebner stated the funding of law enforcement services has been an issue for many years for Counties and large cities. It has become clear that the budget needs to be fixed and the Board of Commissioners is not taking this matter lightly. It is possible to shift the cost of providing law enforcement services to general law townships to those townships. This is being done in some County townships.
Comm. Schor stated this is an equality issue. He would like to see appropriate contributions in all areas of the County. We should consider what is best for the County.
f. Sheriff’s Office – Overview of the Current Level of Road Patrol and How the Proposed Resolution May Impact Services
Mr. Wriggelsworth stated he hopes the Board of Commissioners will put as much energy as they are in this matter into jail overcrowding. Chairperson Copedge stated a number of meetings have been held to discuss jail treatment options in order to alleviate recidivism. Reentry programs are also being considered. A subcommittee has been established to address these issues.
Mr. Wriggelsworth provided a snapshot of today at the Sheriff’s Office. He stated the Office has two Officers available to respond to emergency calls tonight. The Office’s resources are pretty thin right now. Mr. Wriggelsworth also stated the Office continues to work hard to regionalize certain services. This is an effort to save money and to provide better services to the tax payers.
Mr. Wriggelsworth asked how his Office can professionally respond to calls from residents if the Office does not provide road patrol services. Mr. Stoker stated the language regarding this matter is from the County of Appeals. Mr. Wriggelsworth stated he is sure that everyone is concerned about being able to respond to people in their time of need.
Mr. Spyke stated the Office assigns 33 Officers to road patrol duty in the townships and villages. Mr. Wriggelsworth stated these Officers must also conduct other duties. Comm. Celentino asked about the paramedic position. Mr. Wriggelsworth explained the restored position will conduct general law enforcement services. This position will be a help to the Office. He further stated the Michigan State Police have indicated the County’s low traffic fatally rate is due to the County having paramedic services.
g. Public Comment Segment
Mr. Robinson, Aurelius Township Attorney, stated he was present this evening at the request of Aurelius Township. He stated the townships need a specific date if they are required to request a Millage. The townships need a great deal of data if this Committee is going to require them to help fund the road patrol services. The current services the townships receive from the Sheriff’s Office should be quantified.
Mr. Robinson further stated the information seems to imply there is a disproportion amount of police services for the townships. If road patrol services are eliminated, the meth labs will move to these areas. Mr. Robinson asked if the townships will have input on how the road patrol services will be affected if they financially support these services.
Chairperson Copedge stated Mr. Robinson raised some valid points. Comm. Schor asked Mr. Robinson to provide a list of the information he would require. He then stated he would like to see increased funding participation for law enforcement services. The road patrol services should not be eliminated.
Mr. Robinson stated the Delhi Township funding model will not work for most of the rural communities.
Mr. Henney, Leslie Township Supervisor, stated the Township is very concerned about the opportunity for a Millage considering the current financial environment. The voters should be fully informed about the services they would receive from a special Millage. Mr. Henney further stated the Townships receive very little in road patrol services. It appears the County is asking the out-county to subsidize law enforcement services for the County. Leslie Township is paying its fair share for the current level of services it receives.
Comm. DeLeon stated as this Committee goes through this process, we should all recognize that some services are mandated through the Sheriff’s Office. Road patrol services are more discretionary in nature. She further stated the Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad addresses the meth lab issue. The eight mills the jurisdictions pay is for all County services, not just law enforcement services.
Chairperson Copedge stated this Committee will establish a subcommittee to discuss this issue further. There is ample time to address this issue, but the discussions must start now.
Comm. Grebner explained the funding models will be different in the different jurisdictions. Mr. Henney stated he feels the County is balancing the funding issue on the backs of the out-counties.
Mr. Wriggelsworth stated Delhi Township conducted a study on the feasibility of its contract with Ingham County for law enforcement services. This study should be provided to the rural areas.
Mr. Grason, Wheatfield Township, addressed the Committee regarding deer/car accidents in the Township. Police, ambulance and paramedic services are needed for these situations. He then stated he does not know the services the Township currently receives from the County. Chairperson Copedge stated that information would be supplied to Wheatfield Township.
Mr. Griffes, Locke Township, stated the Township does not have the general fund dollars to fund law enforcement services. He stated the Township wants to know if it is currently paying its fair share for the current services. Mr. Griffes stated Locke Township does not need the same level of services as other townships. Police services are needed for people issues. The out-county does not have a very big voice these days. Mr. Griffes stated the Board of Commissioners represents all of its residents.
Mr. Martin, Williamstown Township, stated the out-county townships don’t require the same level of services as the cities and larger townships. The Townships currently pay their fair share for law enforcement services. Williamstown Township is willing to help but the process should be fair.
Ms. Scott, Leroy Township Trustee, stated the Townships frequently feel they are pitted against the urban areas. Law enforcement services are a County issue and it should be looked at from that standpoint. Ms. Scott asked what will happen with the area schools if road patrol services are eliminated. She stated her hope that the Committee will consider these issues.
Chairperson Copedge stated the County will not eliminate emergency services. Mr. Wriggelsworth stated Ms. Scott’s concerns should be addressed.
Mr. Hayes, Williamstown Township Trustee, stated the Township is happy with its current level of services. He then suggested the Committee look to areas where the need for law enforcement services is greatest. Special assessments should be conducted in those areas.
Mr. Colburn, City of Mason Administrator, stated urban cultures are different from rural cultures. The City of Mason is fortunate to enjoy a strong relationship with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and the County as a whole. Mr. Colburn suggested the Committee analyze this issue and determine a plan that is best for everyone.
Ms. Sommer, Stockbridge Township, spoke of her recent car accident. She stated she called 911 and was informed that police would arrive in an hour. Ms. Sommer stated she did not receive assistance for two hours. This issue needs to be addressed. Law enforcement services should be equal to all residents.
h. Law Enforcement Committee – Discussion on Resolution Announcing a Change in Policy Regarding Rural Police Services
Chairperson Copedge stated the Committee will not act on this Resolution tonight.
i. Impact Study
Comm. Schafer requested an impact study in this matter. The study should seek information from the townships and the Sheriff’s Office. Contingency funds could be used to fund this study. Comm. Celentino asked if staff could perform these duties. Chairperson Copedge stated the subcommittee could work with staff and generate the needed information. He then stated Comm. Schafer may serve on the subcommittee.
Comm. Schafer requested a recording of these meetings.
2. Law Enforcement Committee – Resolution Honoring Deputy Phillip Jones
MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION HONORING DEPUTY PHILLIP JONES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing 2008 Agreements for Community Agencies
Mr. Neilsen stated the 2008 allocation for this Committee is 5% less than the 2007 funding level. This Committee has $9,025 to allocate to its community agencies. Three agencies are requesting a total of $18,200.
Ms. Ring, New Way In, Inc. stated she is more than thankful for any contribution her agency receives from the County.
Ms. Carter, Lansing Area Safety Council, asked if would be able to be funded through the Juvenile Justice Millage. Comm. Celentino stated the Council’s program does appear to meet the requirements of the JJM. This matter should be reviewed by the County Attorney.
Chairperson Copedge stated this item could be deferred until this Committee’s next meeting on November 15, 2007.
4. Board Referral – Letter from Plante & Moran Forwarding Their Recommendations Against a Dual Dispatch Plan Within Ingham County
Chairperson Copedge stated Plante & Moran determined the consolidation is the best approach. Mr. Neilsen stated East Lansing passed a resolution to support the consolidation. This resolution will be on the November 15 meeting agenda.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
Comm. Schafer commended Chairperson Copedge chairing this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff